How to Prepare a Personal Testimony

Your personal salvation testimony can be presented more effectively by careful organization. The following guidelines will help you in preparing a testimony that will communicate effectively what Christ has done for you.

1. Before you begin, ask the Lord to give you wisdom and guidance as you work on your testimony.
2. Make brief notes on three separate sheets of paper labeled BEFORE (a short sketch of what your life was like before you became a Christian), HOW (the details of how, specifically, you took the step of receiving Christ), and AFTER (relating the changes in your life).
3. Using your notes from the three sheets of paper, prepare a draft of your testimony applying the guidelines below.
4. Avoid giving a travelogue dealing with externals and missing the spiritual matters.
5. Identify with those who will be hearing your testimony.
6. Use word pictures to increase interest. Don't just say, "I grew up on a farm." You might briefly describe the farm so a person listening can visualize it.
7. Remember that this is a testimony, not a "preachamony." Say "I" and "me" instead of "you." Keep your testimony warm and personal.
8. Avoid mentioning specific churches, denominations, or groups. Generalize so that more people can identify with your story. You could say, "For fifteen years I didn't miss a single service at church, but never heard how I could have eternal life."
9. Include some humor and human interest.
10. In the "before," include both good and bad aspects of your life. Examples of good aspects might be a desire to excel, a concern for others, or a hard working attitude. Bad aspects might include an inferiority complex, temper, greed for finances.
11. In the "how"...

1. Communicate the gospel clearly and briefly

1. The fact of sin
2. The penalty of sin
3. Christ paid the penalty
4. The need to receive Christ

2. Make the Bible the authority. Don't say, "Bill shared with me that I had sinned and needed forgiveness." Say, "Bill shared with me that the Bible said...."

12. In the "after," give at least two or three personal benefits of becoming a Christian. Emphasize the fact that the thing that has made the difference in your life was accepting Christ as Savior.
13. Keep in mind that someone else should be able to trust the Lord through your testimony.
14. Be sure to include at least one Scripture verse supporting your assurance of salvation.
15. Try to outline your presentation on a 3x5 card so that you can give your testimony from this outline.